Deputy PM holds talks with Swiss Vice President

Deputy Prime Minister Vu Van Ninh on September 16 held talks with Swiss Vice President and head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research Johann Niklaus Schneider-Ammann who affirmed that Switzerland considers Vietnam an important partner in the region.

The Vice President stated that his country always pays great attention to strengthening collaboration with Vietnam in various fields, especially when the two sides are celebrating the 45th anniversary of their diplomatic ties.

Expressing delight at the growing friendship and bilateral cooperation in all fields, Deputy PM Ninh said he hopes Switzerland will continue increasing trade links and partnership in implementing ODA and FDI projects in Vietnam .

Vietnam wishes to receive support from Switzerland in speeding up the negotiations of a free trade agreement between Vietnam and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) on the basis of balance and high quality with consideration of difference in development level between Vietnam and EFTA members.

Schneider-Ammann held that the deal will help accelerate economic ties between the two sides, creating favourable conditions for Swiss enterprises to invest in Vietnam . The agreement is also within his country’s strategy to strengthen affiliation with the Asia-Pacific region.

Host and guest agreed to increase exchange of delegations, encourage and back enterprises and investors of both sides to foster connections and partnership, especially in finance-banking, insurance, high technology, processing technology, pharmaceuticals, agriculture and tourism.

As scheduled, Deputy PM Ninh will visit Belgium and have meetings with senior officials from the European Parliament, the European Commission and EU Trade Commissioner Celicia Malmstrom to further beef up all-round cooperation between Vietnam and European countries.-VNA